LEEP Utilities, an independent multi-utility operator, has reached an agreement to purchase SSE Water from Perth-based SSE plc, writes Brian Donnelly.

SSE Water was established in 2008 under licence from Ofwat and owns water networks that supply around 20,000 customers across 28 sites in southern England and Wales.

Leep Utilities is a joint-venture between Ancala Partners LLP, a mid-market infrastructure investment manager, and the Peel Group, a private real estate firm.

Ancala said it believes there is “tremendous potential to deliver water and waste water networks more quickly and efficiently to developers while improving service and value to end-customers”.

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Leep will combine SSE Water with its own operations in the sector, which cover networks including MediaCityUK in Manchester.

Louise Manfredi, of Leep Utilities, said: “We plan to continue to provide best-in-class customer service to our expanded water inset customer base as well as to deliver new ‘straightforward connections’ to developers and connection providers across the country."

Nathan Sanders, of SSE, thanked the team for “the strong contribution”, adding: “I know they will be a success as part of Leep, continuing to provide an excellent service to their customers.”